Speed dating has popped up through different companies in nearly every major city across the country.

Offering a series of quick “dates,” these companies attempt to introduce singles in the same age range in a safe, low-pressure environment.

“At speed dating, you know everyone comes with the same intention,” said Tinka Betz, an event coordinator in the Kansas City area with Cupid.com’s predating service.

Speed dating professionals said many singles today bypass traditional ways of meeting one another to speed date because it’s fast and easy.

The phenomenon was pioneered about 10 years ago when a rabbi in Los Angeles decided to introduce Jewish singles at an event that provided a series of seven-minute “dates.”

It has grown into an industry with a number of companies setting up dates ranging in length from three to eight minutes.